Axia College Material Appendix B This week, you may choose from three different assignment options. Each option requires you to read the scenario below. The options are listed after the scenario. Select Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3 to complete for your assignment. The Pesticide Problem and Proposed Solution The following outlines a common dilemma faced by countless communities every year. The scenario presents a proposed pesticide application program awaiting approval from the city council of Genericville. The City and the Problem Genericville is an American city with an economically diverse population of 100,000, and is highly dependent on summer tourism. A wide river runs through the center of the city. Along the banks of the river are several wetlands that protect the city from spring flooding. The wetlands also provide a source of nutrients for several species of birds and fish, which are among many environmental elements that make Genericville popular with summer vacationers. Unfortunately, the wetlands also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may spread various diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV), one such disease, is a dangerous nervous system disease that spreads primarily by mosquitoes. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2007), there were 4,269 WNV cases in the U.S. in 2006, including 177 fatalities. Based on experience, recent testing of infected birds and an enlarged mosquito breeding area due to heavy rainfall, there are projections that there could be 50 cases of WNV in Genericville this year with two fatalities. The rich and poor communities of Genericville equally share this risk. The Pesticide Solution and its Proponents A wealthy city resident who suffered a family loss from WNV a couple of years ago has offered to provide Genericville with all funds necessary to implement an extensive program of aerial spraying and ground application of the pesticide, Malathion. The proposed program could reduce the mosquito population by 90%, providing the same reduction in risk of WNV. This would mean that the projected number of WNV cases would drop from 50 to five, with less than a 20% chance of a fatality in each case. Proponents presented data from government studies to indicate that long-term environmental risk from application was unlikely, because it degrades to harmless materials rapidly after application (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2005, Section 1). They argue that exposure could be controlled by educational programs and precautions. Part of the proposal includes extensive precautions and an awareness campaign to avoid exposure during applications and to prevent contact with residues for a week after applications. Proponents contend that avoiding

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